Growing waistlines are equal increase in health costs. At least that's how it seems regarding health and health insurance. well-known documentary film has already shown a short-term effect of too many super-meal. But did you know that there is a price you're paying now - in health insurance dollars - for our nation's weight problem
?health insurance rates are on the rise, with double-digit growth in each of the past three years. Most analysts blame the rising costs of the increased use of health services. Are we the only people hypochondriacs? Why do we have to visit doctors' offices in droves? As many experts say, part of the answer may be obesity.
More than 60 percent of Americans now qualify as overweight or obese. Even among children, obesity rates have tripled in the last ten years. Obesity is known to significantly increase the risk of orthopedic problems, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, some cancers and respiratory problems. Surgeon General's office estimates that obesity costs the economy more than 100 billion U.S. dollars annually.
Insurance companies understand that obesity is expensive. If you are overweight and obese individuals trying to get health coverage, You May be denied because of the risks associated with your weight. If you are turned down, you'll probably pay more for coverage, up to twice as much slimmer person. And even if you can not be turned down for an employer-sponsored health insurance on the basis of obesity, increased insurance costs you become a financial burden not only for you but for your users.
Now, this does not mean that skinny people should not blame people for severe annual insurance rate hikes that everyone dreads. There are other factors involved, as well as increased use of prescription drugs and expensive new medical technologies. But if a majority of Americans are obese, which is considerably more expensive insurance obese, you can begin to see how big the role of expanding waistline can play in expanding health insurance costs.
So, what can we do about this epidemic waist? In the United States alone, obesity is expected to overtake smoking as the number one cause of death was preventable. Through a combination of government action and aggressive campaign to convince the public, smoking is declining. These tactics can be used in the battle on obesity.
Or maybe we should make the link between obesity and health insurance costs more obvious boost to our state and public health institutions to help in the battle of bulge. Maybe that will encourage businesses to expand health insurance coverage for weight loss programs and procedures. Most importantly, perhaps, if we feel the impact of obesity in our pocketbooks, we will take our health seriously.
If you've never considered the consequences of what you eat, maybe you should. May He do not look like it will affect your health now, but it will certainly in the long run. And as you'll discover, what affects your health also will eventually affect your bank account.
If you've never considered the consequences of what you eat, maybe you should. May He do not look like it will affect your health now, but it will certainly in the long run. And as you'll discover, what affects your health also will eventually affect your bank account.
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